Carswell members Derek Smith and John Davis enjoyed the trip of a lifetime when they took part in the grand final of the prestigious International Pairs in Ireland.

(RAWXML: <image large="sport-golf.gif" small="sport-golf.gif" type="portrait"></image>The duo played brilliantly to battle through club and regional qualifying and make it to magnificent Mount Wolseley Golf & Country Club at Tullow, in County Carlow.

But they could not quite reproduce that form in the final over the fearsome and immaculate Mount Wolseley course - designed by Ryder Cup legend Christy O'Connor Jnr.

The pair were tied for last spot after the first round of the 36-hole competition with a better-ball stableford score of 29 points.

But they recovered to finish tied for 21st out of 28 competitors, their second-round haul of 30 points coming amid heavy showers that left the course flooded in places.

Davis and Smith eventually finished 19 points behind the overall winners - Welsh youngsters Adam Young and Steve Thomas, from St Mary's GC.

The International Pairs is the largest golf event of its kind in the world, with around 600 clubs staging qualifying events.